Support mechanism of curtain shield air bag

Abstract

To provide a support mechanism of a curtain shield air bag which can smoothly spread the curtain shield air bag relative to the conventional type.SOLUTION: A curtain shield air bag 40 is arranged in a storage space 42 between a roof side panel 12 and a roof lining 30. A support mechanism of the curtain shield air bag 40 includes: a case 50; and B pillar garnish 60. The case 50 supports the curtain shield air bag 40. A top edge of the B pillar garnish 60 is connected with a roof lining 30. A support face 53 of the curtain shield air bag 40 is formed at an inner side of the case 50 in a vehicle width direction. The case 50 extends in a vertical direction. A flange 55 is formed at the lower part of the case 50. The flange 55 is connected with the B pillar garnish 60. A fragile thin wall part 75 of the B pillar garnish 60 is arranged below a connection point with the flange 55.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a curtain shield airbag. The curtain shield airbag is deployed downward from the outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of the ceiling. The curtain shield airbag is deployed into the passenger compartment so as to block the door glass.

[0003] The curtain shield airbag is disposed on the back side of the roof lining. The roof lining is the ceiling panel of the passenger compartment. More specifically, the curtain shield airbag is disposed on the back side of the outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of the roof lining.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in so-called sports cars, aerodynamic performance is emphasized. Therefore, the ceiling of the passenger compartment is made low and narrow. Also, in order to emphasize the holding performance of the occupant, large seats are used. As a result, the distance between the seat and the roof lining becomes short.

[0006] The curtain shield airbag is deployed into the passenger compartment by pushing aside the roof lining from the back surface of the roof lining. Here, when the roof lining and the seat are close to each other, the roof lining pushed down by the curtain shield airbag hits the seat. As a result, there is a possibility that the deployment path of the curtain shield airbag becomes narrow.

[0007] Therefore, in this specification, a support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag is disclosed. According to this support mechanism, the curtain shield airbag can be deployed more smoothly than before around the seat.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In this specification, a support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag is disclosed. The curtain shield airbag is disposed in an accommodation space between a roof side panel and a roof lining. The support mechanism includes a case and a pillar garnish. The case supports the curtain shield airbag. The pillar garnish covers a pillar. The pillar is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the seat. The upper end of the pillar garnish is connected to the roof lining. A support surface for the curtain shield airbag is formed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the case. The case extends in the vertical direction. A flange is formed at the lower portion of the case. The flange is connected to the pillar garnish. A weak portion is provided below the connection point of the pillar garnish with the flange.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the case is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction than the curtain shield airbag. Therefore, when the airbag is deployed, the case is pushed out to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Further, the pillar garnish connected to the case is also pushed out to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. At this time, the upper portion above the weak portion is bent and deformed to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. By this bending deformation, the deployment path of the curtain shield airbag is expanded.

[0010] Also, in the above configuration, as the weak portion, a thin portion may be formed on the pillar garnish. In this case, a plurality of thin portions are formed on the pillar garnish at intervals in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0011] According to the above configuration, compared with the form in which the weak portion is provided over the entire length of the pillar garnish, breakage of the upper portion from the weak portion is suppressed.

[0012] Further, in the above configuration, ribs for reinforcement may be formed on the pillar garnish. In this case, the ribs are formed below the vulnerable part.

[0013] According to the above configuration, both the strength improvement by the ribs and the folding deformation during the deployment of the curtain shield airbag can be achieved.

[0014] Further, in the above configuration, the pillar garnish may include a base material and a skin material. In this case, a vulnerable part is formed on the base material. The skin material covers the surface of the base material facing the passenger compartment. Further, the skin material includes an extension part. The extension part is folded back at the upper end of the base material. Further, the extension part covers the back surface facing the surface of the base material.

[0015] According to the above configuration, at the upper end portion of the pillar garnish, the front and back surfaces of the base material are covered with the skin material. In the event of folding deformation, even if the upper end portion of the base material breaks, the upper end portion is captured by the skin material. Therefore, the fall of the upper end portion into the passenger compartment is suppressed.

[0016] Further, in the above configuration, a vulnerable part may be formed below the extension part of the skin material on the back surface of the base material.

[0017] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the folding deformation starting from the vulnerable part from being inhibited by the skin material.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the support mechanism of the curtain shield airbag disclosed in this specification, the curtain shield airbag can be deployed more smoothly than before around the seat.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, the support mechanism of the curtain shield airbag according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The shapes, materials, numbers, and numerical values described below are examples for explanation. These shapes and the like can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the support mechanism of the curtain shield airbag. Also, in all the drawings below, the same reference numerals are given to equivalent elements.

[0021] In FIGS. 1 to 5, the vehicle front-rear direction is indicated by the FR axis. The vehicle width direction is indicated by the RW axis. Further, the vehicle height direction is indicated by the UP axis. The FR axis, RW axis, and UP axis are orthogonal to each other. The FR axis has the front as the positive direction. The RW axis has the right as the positive direction. The UP axis has the up as the positive direction.

[0022] 1. Vehicle interior structure FIG. 1 illustrates the vehicle interior structure. A roof lining 30 is disposed on the ceiling of the vehicle interior. The roof lining 30 is an interior part and is also called a roof headlining. The roof lining 30 extends over the entire width in the vehicle width direction on the ceiling of the vehicle interior.

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the roof lining 30 is a laminate including a base material 31 and a skin material 32. The base material 31 is a board part having a predetermined hardness. The skin material 32 covers the surface of the base material 31. The surface is the surface on the vehicle interior side.

[0024] The vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 is a so-called sedan-type vehicle. That is, the front seat 20 and the rear seat 120 are arranged in the vehicle interior. On the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front seat 20, a B-pillar 13 (see FIG. 2) is arranged. The B-pillar 13 is a skeletal component and extends in the vertical direction. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper portion of the B-pillar 13 inclines inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0025] The B-pillar garnish 60 is an interior component that covers the B-pillar 13. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the B-pillar garnish 60 has a U-shaped cross section. The B-pillar garnish 60 covers the B-pillar 13. The detailed structure of the B-pillar garnish 60 will be described later.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a C-pillar (not shown) is arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the rear seat 120. Similar to the B-pillar 13, the C-pillar is covered with a C-pillar garnish 110. Further, in front of the vehicle interior, an A-pillar (not shown) is arranged. The A-pillar is also covered with an A-pillar garnish 100.

[0027] From the A-pillar to the C-pillar, a curtain shield airbag 40 extends. The curtain shield airbag 40 is housed in a housing space 42 (see FIG. 2) provided on the back side of the roof lining 30. Note that the back side of the roof lining 30 refers to a region on the side opposite to the vehicle interior side.

[0028] As will be described later, the curtain shield airbag 40 expands into the vehicle interior by pushing aside the end portions in the vehicle width direction of the roof lining 30 during deployment. Further, around the front seat 20, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the upper end portion 78 of the B-pillar garnish 60 is bent and deformed outward in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, a width W2 (see FIG. 5) is ensured in the deployment path of the curtain shield airbag 40. The details of the deployment process of the curtain shield airbag 40 will be described later.

[0029] 2. Peripheral Structure of Curtain Shield Airbag In FIGS. 2 to 5, the A-A cross section of FIG. 1 is illustrated. Note that in these figures, the front door 130 is not shown. Also, in these figures, the peripheral structures of the front seat 20 and the B-pillar garnish 60 are illustrated. However, the support structure of the curtain shield airbag 40 according to the present embodiment can also be applied to the peripheral structures of the rear seat 120 and the C-pillar garnish 110.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, the curtain shield airbag 40 is housed in the housing space 42 in a wound state. The inflater 41 (see FIG. 1) is also provided in the housing space 42. When a side collision of the vehicle occurs, gas is sent from the inflater 41 to the curtain shield airbag 40. As a result, the curtain shield airbag 40 expands from the wound state. In the process of this expansion, the curtain shield airbag 40 unfolds downward. The deployed curtain shield airbag 40 covers the front door 130 and the rear door 132 like a curtain.

[0031] The curtain shield airbag 40 is supported in the housing space 42 by a support mechanism. As will be described later, the support mechanism includes the roof rail 16, the case 50, and the B-pillar garnish 60.

[0032] In FIG. 2, the roof panel 10 and the roof side panel 12 are illustrated as outer panel parts of the vehicle. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the roof panel 10 extends in the vehicle width direction. The roof side panel 12 is connected to the outer end of the roof panel 10 in the vehicle width direction. The roof side panel 12 is a part having an arc-shaped cross section. The roof side panel 12 extends from the upper surface of the vehicle toward the side surface of the vehicle. Further, the lower end of the roof side panel 12 abuts on the weather strip 11.

[0033] For example, the roof side panel 12 is supported by the roof rail 16 via the bracket 17. The roof rail 16 is a skeletal component that supports the ceiling of the vehicle. The roof rail 16 has, for example, a closed cross-sectional structure. Further, the roof rail 16 is disposed above the front door 130 (see FIG. 1) and the rear door 132. Also, the roof rail 16 extends from the A-pillar (not shown) to the C-pillar.

[0034] The upper end of the B-pillar 13 is connected to the roof rail 16. For example, the B-pillar 13 includes a B-pillar outer 14 and a B-pillar inner 15. A flange 14A extends from the B-pillar outer 14. The upper end of the flange 14A is joined to the roof rail 16. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper end portion of the B-pillar 13 is inclined inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] An accommodation space 42 is formed between the roof side panel 12 and the roof lining 30. The curtain shield airbag 40, wiring, etc. are accommodated in the accommodation space 42. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the accommodation space 42 is partitioned by the roof lining 30 and the B-pillar garnish 60. The outer side in the vehicle width direction of the accommodation space 42 is partitioned by the roof panel 10, the roof side panel 12, and the B-pillar 13.

[0036] The case 50 supports the curtain shield airbag 40. For example, the case 50 is made of a resin material having a predetermined hardness, such as a plastic board. Referring to FIG. 2, the case 50 extends in the vertical direction.

[0037] A flange 51 is formed at the upper end of the case 50. A clip 52 is formed on the flange 51. In FIG. 2, the case 50 and the clip 52 are integrally formed. Instead of this structure, the case 50 and the clip 52 may be separate parts. The clip 52 is inserted into the fastening hole 16A of the roof rail 16.

[0038] In the vertical middle region of the case 50, a support surface 53 is formed. The support surface 53 supports the curtain shield airbag 40. For example, the curtain shield airbag 40 is adhered to the support surface 53. The support surface 53 is provided on the inner surface of the case 50 in the vehicle width direction. For example, the case 50 is entirely arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction than the curtain shield airbag.

[0039] Furthermore, the case 50 includes a flange 55 in the lower part. A fastening hole 56 is drilled in the flange 55. The flange 55 is seated on the seating portion 74 of the B-pillar garnish 60. The fastening hole 56 of the flange 55 and the fastening hole 76 of the seating portion 74 are axially aligned. Furthermore, a clip 45 is inserted into the fastening holes 56 and 76.

[0040] In order to withstand the impact during the deployment of the curtain shield airbag 40, it is conceivable to fasten the upper and lower ends of the case 50 to the skeletal parts. However, in the support mechanism of the curtain shield airbag 40 according to the present embodiment, the lower end is fastened to the B-pillar garnish 60 which is an interior part. As will be described later, using the impact during the deployment of the curtain shield airbag 40, the B-pillar garnish 60 is pushed outward in the vehicle width direction. As a result, as shown by the width W2 in FIG. 5, the deployment path of the curtain shield airbag 40 is expanded.

[0041] A bent portion 54 is formed between the flange 55 and the support surface 53. Due to the bent portion 54, the extending direction of the case 50 changes. For example, below the bent portion 54, the separation distance between the roof lining 30 and the B-pillar garnish 60 becomes narrower. In other words, in the lower part of the case 50, the accommodation space 42 becomes narrower.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, the upper end of the B-pillar garnish 60 is connected to and abuts against the lower end of the roof lining 30. For example, the skin material 32 of the roof lining 30 and the skin material 80 of the B-pillar garnish 60 abut against each other.

[0043] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the upper portion of the B-pillar garnish 60. The B-pillar garnish 60 has a U-shaped cross-section and includes a front wall 60A and a pair of side walls 60B, 60B. The B-pillar garnish 60 is a laminate including a base material 70 and a skin material 80. The base material 70 is a board component having a predetermined hardness. For example, the base material 70 is formed from a resin material. The skin material 80 is adhered to the base material 70 by an adhesive or the like. The skin material 80 is, for example, a stretchable resin component.

[0044] The surface 71 (see Figure 2) of the base material 70 faces the passenger compartment. The skin material 80 covers the surface 71. Further, the skin material 80 includes an extension portion 82. The extension portion 82 is folded back at the upper end of the base material 70. Further, the extension portion 82 covers the back surface 72 of the base material 70. The back surface 72 is the surface opposite to the surface 71. Referring to Figure 3, for example, the extension portion 82 has a notch formed corresponding to the seating portion 74. That is, the extension portion 82 is adhered to the back surface 72 so as to avoid the seating portion 74.

[0045] Various functional parts are provided on the back surface 72 of the base material 70. For example, ribs 73, seating portions 74, and thin portions 75 (fragile portions) are formed on the back surface 72.

[0046] The ribs 73 reinforce the strength of the B-pillar garnish. For example, the ribs 73 extend substantially perpendicular to the back surface 72. Also, a plurality of ribs 73 are formed. Note that all the ribs 73 are formed below the thin portion 75. With such a structure, the upper end portion 78 is smoothly bent and deformed from the thin portion 75.

[0047] As described above, the flange 55 of the case 50 is seated on the seating portion 74. That is, the seating portion 74 is the connection point between the flange 55 and the B-pillar garnish 60. For example, a plurality of seating portions 74 are provided in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0048] Below the seating portion 74 on the inner surface 72, a thin portion 75 is formed. Also, below the extension portion 82 of the skin material 80, the thin portion 75 is formed. The base material 70 is thinner in the thin portion 75 compared to the peripheral region. That is, the thin portion 75 is a fragile part. For example, the thin portion 75 is a groove with a V-shaped cross-section. Also, hereinafter, as appropriate, the upper portion from the thin portion 75 of the B-pillar garnish 60 is shown as the upper end portion 78.

[0049] The thin portion 75 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction on the front wall 60A. Also, a plurality of thin portions 75 are formed on the inner surface 72 at intervals in the vehicle longitudinal direction. For example, on the front wall 60A, breakage of the upper portion from the thin portion 75 is suppressed compared to the case where the thin portion 75 is formed over the entire length in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Also, the thin portion 75 is formed only on the front wall 60A, for example, and is not formed on the side wall 60B.

[0050] 3. Curtain Shield Airbag Deployment Process During a side collision of the vehicle, a side impact load is detected by a sensor (not shown) of the vehicle. Then, a deployment command is transmitted from an electronic control unit (ECU, not shown) of the vehicle to the inflator 41 (see FIG. 1). When receiving the deployment command, the gunpowder in the inflator 41 ignites, generating nitrogen gas. The nitrogen gas enters the curtain shield airbag 40. As a result, the curtain shield airbag 40 in the stored state (i.e., the wound state) unfolds and expands in a curtain shape.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a connection point between the roof lining 30 and the B-pillar garnish 60 is arranged below the curtain shield airbag 40. The curtain shield airbag 40 unfolds into the passenger compartment from this connection point.

[0052] When the curtain shield airbag 40 unfolds downward, the roof lining 30 becomes a barrier arranged on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Also, the case 50 becomes a barrier arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. As shown in the figure, the widths of these barriers become narrower as they go downward. The curtain shield airbag 40 pushes out these barriers during deployment.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the curtain shield airbag 40 pushes the roof lining 30 inward in the vehicle width direction. Further, the curtain shield airbag 40 pushes the case 50 outward in the vehicle width direction. The lower end of the case 50 is connected to the upper end portion 78 of the B-pillar garnish 60. Therefore, as the case 50 is pushed outward in the vehicle width direction, the upper end portion 78 is also pushed outward in the vehicle width direction. In the process of this pushing, the upper end portion 78 is bent and deformed starting from the thin portion 75 (fragile portion).

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the distance between the roof lining 30 and the front seat 20 is close, when the curtain shield airbag 40 is deployed, the roof lining 30 hits the front seat 20. That is, the movement of the roof lining 30 inward in the vehicle width direction is stopped by the front seat 20.

[0055] On the other hand, the upper end portion 78 of the B-pillar garnish 60 bends outward in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the deployment path of the curtain shield airbag 40 is expanded from the width W1 to the width W2. Thereby, the curtain shield airbag 40 is deployed smoothly.

[0056] Also, even if the upper end portion 78 breaks by any chance, the skin material 80 is adhered to both the front surface 71 and the back surface 72 of the portion. By capturing the broken upper end portion 78 with the skin material 80, the upper end portion 78 is suppressed from falling into the passenger compartment.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0057] 12 Roof side panel, 13 B-pillar, 16 Roof rail, 20 Front seat, 30 Roof lining, 40 Curtain shield airbag, 42 Accommodation space, 50 Case, 53 Support surface, 55 Flange, 60 B-pillar garnish, 70 Base material, 71 Front surface, 72 Back surface, 73 Rib, 74 Seating portion, 75 Thin portion (fragile portion), 78 Upper end portion, 80 Skin material, 82 Extension portion.

Claims

1. A support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag, wherein the curtain shield airbag is disposed in an accommodation space between a roof side panel and a roof lining, a case that supports the curtain shield airbag, and a pillar garnish that covers a pillar disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of a seat and has an upper end connected to the roof lining, comprising: the case has a support surface for the curtain shield airbag formed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, the case extends in the vertical direction, a flange connected to the pillar garnish is formed at a lower portion of the case, a weak portion is provided below a connection point of the pillar garnish with the flange, a support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag.

2. The support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag according to claim 1, wherein as the weak portion, a thin portion is formed on the pillar garnish, and a plurality of the thin portions are formed on the pillar garnish at intervals in the vehicle longitudinal direction, a support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag.

3. The support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag according to claim 1, wherein reinforcing ribs are formed on the pillar garnish, and the ribs are formed below the weak portion, a support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag.

4. The support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag according to claim 1, wherein the pillar garnish includes a base material and a skin material, the weak portion is formed on the base material, the skin material covers a surface of the base material facing the passenger compartment, and further the skin material includes an extension portion that is folded back at an upper end of the base material, and the extension portion covers a back surface of the base material facing the surface, a support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag.

5. The support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag according to claim 4, wherein the weak portion is formed below the extension portion of the skin material on the back surface of the base material, a support mechanism for a curtain shield airbag.

Images